Glass Reinforced Concrete
A composite material, glass reinforced
concrete (GRC) is a matrix of cement and fine
aggregate reinforced with alkali resistant glass
fibres which add flexural, tensile and impact
strength to the finished product. This allows the
production of strong and lightweight materials with
considerable applications for architectural and civil
engineering structures.
Its high strength to weight ratio delivers obvious structural advantages along with lower transport and erection costs. With no steel reinforcing, and the absence of any corrosive effect, maintenance is minimized. GRC offers flexibility and freedom of design along with the ability to form complex shapes and has potential for improved surface detail and quality of finish in both refurbishing or renovating projects as well as new structures.
Flexibility of form and texture give a wider range of choice to the designer, and the lightness of composition makes installation faster and easier. GRCs high resistance to the effects of weather and other adverse conditions, its non combustibility and the fact that its surface nature allows the easy application of various finishes makes GRC a highly versatile product.
Photograph Courtesy of Stresscrete